Nestled amidst pristine landscapes and offering an exclusive haven for leisure and recreation, the Potchefstroom Country Club stands as a beacon of sophistication and camaraderie. This distinguished establishment, founded on timeless principles of elegance and sporting excellence, invites both club and community members into a world of refined leisure and social engagement.
The face of the Country Club
We sat down with Ms Theodor Mienie, Financial and HR Manager, of the Potchefstroom Country Club to talk about this past year and what visitors and club members can look forward to in 2024. There’s so much more to Theodor than what meets the eye. After practising law for ten years, it was time for a change and within a month’s time, she was back in her hometown where she ran a guesthouse for quite some time.
When the ‘dip’ in guesthouses came in 2017, Theodor felt that it was time for a new challenge and that’s when she decided to apply at CTU Training Solutions as a lecturer. She was undoubtedly thrown in at the deep end, but she absolutely loved the students and the opportunity it provided to make an impact and difference in their lives. It was in her third year at the establishment when the Country Club opportunity presented itself; and not being a very scared individual, she jumped at the opportunity to change her course - pun intended. Now, after nearly three years, she still loves every minute of her crazy schedule.
Friendly facilities
The Potchefstroom Country Club consists of various facilities; including the golf course, tennis court, bowling, squash and padel court; with latter mentioned being the newest club member. They also host a variety of events in either the function hall or conference centre.
When asked about what makes the Country Club special, Theodor said, “the diversity [of the club facilities] and the fact that all the different sections are working alongside each other to really make a difference; we are all like-minded in our bigger, overall goal.”
Memorable moments
Each event or competition hosted is a highlight and a memorable day from the personnel’s point of view. To see the amount of happy players after a game, having drinks on the terrace in a relaxed atmosphere is what really drives the Potch Country Club team. “It’s wonderful to see that at the end of the day, there was an x amount of people who had a good day and got value for their money - whether it’s a small group of ten or the entire terrace is fully packed. The satisfaction you get from satisfied clients is success in itself; to know that all of the arrangements leading up to the event paid off.” The Country Club hosted the year-end function for Sages, a golfing society for senior golfers, last year and even featured in their monthly newsletter.
Mark your calendars
The Country Club hosts quite a few events throughout the year, but here are a few to mark on your calendar so long:
Christmas Market (15 December 2023)
Between 85 and 100 stalls and exhibitors will be showcasing their unique products and services during this market. Gates open at 10h00 and close at 18h00. Entrance is free of charge and the public get to enjoy a fun day out with friends and family, whilst doing some last-minute Christmas shopping. This market will combine a golf tournament and also serves as a soft opening for Padel. For more information, click here or visit the Potchefstroom Country Club's Facebook page.
Potch MET (27 January 2024) & Potch July (1 July 2024)
Staying up to date with the horse races down at the coast, these two events will also be taking place at the Potchefstroom Country Club - but with a twist. Instead of Thoroughbred horses, the competitors will be partaking in this event on hobby/ wooden horses. "It was a huge success last year and we are looking forward to next year."
Willows Tournament (29 March - 1 April 2024)
This is certainly the largest golfing tournament hosted by the Country Club. It attracts a lot of players from all over the country and is also the perfect setting for recruiting new members.
Heritage Day Fundraiser (24 September 2024)
In the pipeline
They have quite a few projects planned for 2024 and are eager and excited to get the ball rolling after the festive season. They have identified two local institutions in the community whom they will be more involved with as a part of their community project contribution.
When Potchefstroom was hit with floods two years ago, the decision was made to fill up the river banks in order to ‘adjust’ the natural flow of the river to be better prepared during the rainy season. More tangible projects will include the Clubhouse’s thatched roof being replaced with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and adding a children’s playground.
The Potchefstroom Country Club is not only for its members and they invite the public to come and enjoy a beverage, delicious food or make use of the facilities on offer.
If you have any stories you would like us to share with the community, get in touch with us: potchgazette@thegotoguy.co.za
Potchefstroom - Johané van Dyk
